One embodiment of the present invention provides a DSL modem for coupling a transmission line to a communication system interface, the modem having digital isolation and power isolation. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for communicating power signals and data signals between a first-side of a modem and a second-side of the modem, the first and second sides of the modem being electrically isolated from one another.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
1. A DSL modem for coupling a transmission line to a communication system interface, the modem comprising: an analog front-end for converting an analog communication signal received from the transmission line to its digital equivalent; a digital signal processor for processing the digital equivalent of the analog communication signal; a digital isolation means operatively coupled between the analog front-end and the digital signal processor, the digital isolation means for electrically isolating the analog front-end from the digital signal processor; and a power isolation means receiving input power from the communication system interface, the power isolation means having a first output coupled to the analog front-end, and a second output coupled to the digital signal processor, the power isolation means for electrically isolating the input power from the first and second outputs.
2. The modem of claim 1 , wherein the digital equivalent is associated with a first frequency spectrum, and the digital isolation means includes a modulator for modulating the digital equivalent to a second frequency spectrum, and for communicating the modulated digital equivalent to the digital signal processor via a magnetic link.
3. The modem of claim 1 , wherein the first output is electrically isolated from the second output of the power isolation means by a magnetic link.
4. The modem of claim 1 , wherein the digital isolation provided by the digital isolation means and the power isolation provided by the power isolation means are derived from a common magnetic link.
5. A DSL modem for coupling a transmission line to a communication system interface, the modem comprising: a digital isolation means operatively coupled between an analog front-end having a first ground and a digital signal processor having a second ground, the digital isolation means for electrically isolating the first ground from the second ground; and a power isolation means receiving input power from the communication system interface, the power isolation means having a first power output coupled to the analog front-end, and a second power output coupled to the digital signal processor, the power isolation means for electrically isolating the input power output from the first and second power outputs.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
October 31, 2000
December 2, 2003
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